Method for treating osteoarthritis

Abstract

The invention relates to methods for treating osteoarthritis by administering a composition consisting essentially of proanthocyanidins to a patient suffering from such a disorder.

1 . A method for treating osteoarthritis in a patient comprising the step of administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition consisting essentially of proanthocyanidins.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said method reduces joint pain, joint stiffness, or joint inflammation in said patient.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein about 20 mg to about 10 grams per patient per day of proanthocyanidins are administered.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein about 50 mg to 500 mg per patient per day of proanthocyanidins are administered.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 3  comprising administration of said composition taken on a periodic basis each day over the course of a treatment period.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said administrating comprises administering said proanthocyanidins daily for a period of at least 30 days, at least 60 days, at least 90 days or at least 120 days.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the proanthocyanidins are an extract from a plant material.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the proanthocyanidins are from pine bark extract.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein proanthocyanidins are obtained by synthesis.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is administered as a tablet, capsule, food additive or beverage.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said method reduces the frequency and severity of osteoarthritis symptoms.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said method reduces the frequency and amount of analgesics administered to said patient.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said proanthocyanidins are present in an aggregate amount of at least about 20-100% by weight of said composition.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said proanthocyanidins are present in an aggregate amount of at least about 50% by weight of said composition.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said proanthocyanidins is the only active ingredient administered to said patient.